Point of sale systems are an integral part of any restaurant business. These computerized cash registers ease the process for both customers and employees, allowing efficient transactions anywhere on your business premises. What’s more, they can be customized to work with specific software that addresses certain aspects of keeping track of your inventory, product ordering and so forth.
When choosing a point of sale system for your restaurant business, there are key factors to consider. The first is the size of your business - small or large? If you have a lot of employees and customers, you’ll need a system that can handle the demands placed on it.
Second is what specific features you require in order to run your business effectively. There are point of sale systems that are fully customizable, others that are simpler to use and some that can be adapted with additional features as your business grows.
One thing to be aware of when it comes to small businesses with a limited budget is that not all point of sale systems are created equal. They range from inexpensive solutions for the smaller business owner to high end products that cost thousands of dollars. In either event, they can prove invaluable when it comes to making the most out of your restaurant’s resources.
Touch Screen POS Systems
Touch screen systems are fairly common place for any business that wants to offer customers the highest level of customer service with a fashionable touch interface. A touch screen system can be programmed into different languages depending on your market, which is an attractive feature for the globalized business owner who does business in more than one location.
Some touch screen systems are even outfitted with credit card readers. If you’re in the position of having to purchase a new system, this feature is something you’ll want to consider. Not only does it make your customers feel safer giving up their credit card information, but it also makes for clean accounting at tax time when every penny is documented.
POS System Layouts for Restaurants
Depending on the type of restaurant you own, there are certain types of POS Systems which might suit your business better than others. For example, family restaurants will benefit from a system which has separate registers and multiple screens so that customers can choose where they want to be seated and servers can bring them their order without having to leave the floor.
This is in contrast to a restaurant where the waiters and waitresses are also the ones taking orders and handling the cash. In this case, a POS system which combines all of these functions into one terminal would be more beneficial.
The important thing is to consider how you want your business to run and find the appropriate POS system for your establishment.
Popular Restaurant POS System Brands
There are a number of popular brands of POS Systems on the market, but they’re not all created equal. Some are more expensive than others, but offer a wider range of features.
Clover Station
For example, the Clover Station is a popular choice for restaurateurs who want to have a system that is both sophisticated and multifunctional. With its sleek design and multiple touch screens, it’s a system which is not only intuitive for new users but also customizable to suit any restaurant’s specific needs.
PCAmerica POS
PCAmerica is a popular choice for smaller businesses. While its limited features mean that it’s better suited to a smaller business, there are also cheaper monthly fees which might be affordable for new or small business owners.
Lightspeed POS
Lightspeed is a popular choice for businesses that are expanding and have outgrown their current POS system. With its unlimited scalability, it can grow with your business without the need to purchase a new system down the road.
When choosing a restaurant POS system, be sure to consider your business’s specific needs and budget. Do your research and find the system that is right for you. With the advances in technology, there is no need to compromise on features or function when it comes to your point of sale system.
More questions?
Choosing a restaurant POS system can be difficult. There are many popular brands to choose from, but they all have their own pros and cons depending on your business needs. We recommend researching the various options before making any decision so that you end up with an effective point of sale solution for your specific establishment. If you need help choosing or setting up a new POS System for your restaurant, let us know, and we’d be glad to point you in the right direction.
